QMI Agency

Couture, who had 32 goals and 24 assists last season, was set to become a restricted free agent next summer. He likely would have commanded more money as a RFA, particularly if he had another 30-goal season.

Winning, though, seems more important than padding his bank account over the next three years.

"We've got a lot of players who make a lot of money," Couture told CTV in London. "To be able to fit my contract into the team is obviously tough to do. In three years a couple of the big guys will be up and we'll see what happens then. Right now we've got three years with me in San Jose and I want to win a Stanley Cup in those three years."

Sharks general manager Doug Wilson showed some cunning by locking up the 22-year-old, a Calder Trophy finalist in 2010-11, for less than $3 million a season. The deal pays Couture $2.75 million for the first year and $3 million for the second.

"Logan is an excellent teammate and he proved it by committing to the team-first philosophy that we have instilled here," Wilson said on the team's website. "Last season, as a rookie, he was a catalyst for our hockey club as one of our most consistent players. Over the last two post-seasons, he has been one of our most reliable players. We're excited to see him build upon his early success and continue his growth over the next three seasons."

Couture, a native of London, Ont., was the Sharks' first-round draft pick in 2007.